Inter and Barcelona legend Eto’o backs Lookman: ‘Memory in football lasts 90 minutes’ | OneFootball

Inter and Barcelona legend Samuel Eto’o publicly backed Atalanta striker Ademola Lookman after an argument with Gian Piero Gasperini: ‘Memory in football lasts 90 minutes.’

It’s been a tense week in Bergamo. Atalanta was not only eliminated from the Champions League, but coach Gian Piero Gasperini blamed one of their stars, Lookman, for missing a penalty kick in a 3-1 loss against Club Brugge.

The Italian tactician was pretty harsh on the Nigerian star, saying that Lookman was “one of the worst penalty takers” he had ever seen.

Eto’o sends message to Lookman: ‘Memory in football lasts 90 minutes’

BERGAMO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 18: Simon Mignolet of Club Brugge KV dives as Ademola Lookman of Atalanta shoots and misses from the penalty spot during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Knockout Play-off second leg match between Atalanta BC and Club Brugge KV at Gewiss Stadium on February 18, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)

The Nigeria international replied the following day that his coach had been disrespectful. The public feud forced the club to hold an emergency meeting to clear the air.

Lookman received support from many ex-players, including Alessandro Del Piero and former Inter and Barcelona star Eto’o.

The President of the Cameroon FA wrote in his official Instagram account: “My young brother, memory in football lasts 90 minutes, the time of a match, and then it’s on to the next.

“For us, you are and will always be our champion. Only those who have the courage to take the shot can miss. Thank you for your courage, great champion.”

The message came with a picture of Lookman holding the Europa League gold medal last season. La Dea lift the cup after a 3-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen in the Final, inspired by a Lookman hat-trick.